TESTIMONIALS

Comments from our program partners.....

'I was extremely impressed with the program organised for our students by Youth Enterprise Trust. The Tamborine property was an ideal environment for our 'at risk' youth to learn more about themselves and each other. Our students thoroughly enjoyed getting away from it all, they are not used to such quiet, large spaced and beautiful surroundings. All of these combine to create a calming atmosphere.

The staff at YET had a gentle, interested manner with our students that immediately won the young people over. There were at least four YET staff members working at all times ensuring a high staff to student ratio and plenty of attention and care for each student - an integral part of the success of the proram. The students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to work with such wonderful people, to sit around the camp fire under the stars, collect fresh eggs each morning, use their hands in the work shed and swim in the beautiful river. The activities were designed to both challenge and reward students and they participated in them all. I would not hesitate in recommending YET programs to any youth organisation for any young person'.

Nambour High School Teacher, 2009 SWAG Program

'As a Deputy Principal it was the highlight of my week to spend time with the children we had sent on the YET 'camp'. I can now see the immeasurable benefits of the program and the necessity for staff members to participate. I was able to build relationships that otherwise would not have been formed with our students and witness the positive outcomes being reached by them. Since returning to school I was also able to support and develop the students and their new affirmative actions in the school setting. I just wish that all staff involved with these students could have taken part in the program also. Next time we will send more staff!'

Kimberley Button, Deputy Principal, Norfolk Village State School

Graduate profiles & thoughts

Introducing you to Julie-anne…..

‘The part that I remember the most is when I had a really good heart to heart with one of the YET people at Woodstock. I think it was on the 2nd last day of the program. It was the point in the 12 days when I finally realised that I could be far more than I was letting myself be. He helped me understand that I could change my life for the better’.

Why did you participate in a YET Program?

I participated in the Wilderness Program as I was recommended by a girl who went to my school who had participated in the program. I decided to go for it because at the time I had low self esteem and little drive to achieve future goals. I didn’t have much ambition at that point in time and so I thought that it may be a way in which I could gain some of the ambition that my friends had. I didn’t want to be left behind.

Words you use to describe YET

Rewarding, inspiring, amazing

What are you most proud of since your experience with YET?

I have a world of self confidence now and this confidence has allowed me to attend University where I am achieving more than I ever thought was possible both academically and socially.

What would you say to a young person considering going on a YET Program?

Do it. You don’t realise it in the beginning, but the people at YET will change your life. And not only is it the people, but the experience on the whole that is amazing. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity for change and I think anyone would be crazy not to take it.

Introducing you to Kiah…..

‘I believe that the greatest legacy any of us can have is to touch another's life for the better, and this I truly believe Youth Enterprise Trust has done for me and so many others’

Why did you participate in a YET Program?

My whole family structure fell apart because of many deaths (of family members and friends) in a short amount of time, alcoholism, violence and emotional abuse, cancer, gangs threatening me, drugs, police raids and suicide. On top of this, school was extremely difficult because of what was happening and because I am dyslectic. My world was falling apart and I had no idea what to do, how to get out or how to survive it.

Words you use to describe YET?

Supportive, personal development, confidence building, wilderness

What are you most proud of since your experience with YET?

Realising that I have the ability within myself to set goals and achieve them